An antibiotic/antineoplastic - This medicine is used to treat cancer of the stomach and pancreas
FDA Alerts
Experience of Supervising Clinician
Highly toxic drug with a low therapeutic index; use under supervision of a qualified clinician experienced in therapy with antineoplastic agents. Use only when adequate treatment facilities for appropriate management of therapy and complications are available.
Myelosuppression
Risk of dose-limiting, cumulative myelosuppression and potentially life-threatening secondary infections (e.g., septicemia). (See Hematologic Effects under Cautions.)
Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
Undefined risk of severe and often fatal syndrome consisting principally of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (hematocrit ≤25%), thrombocytopenia (platelet count ≤100,000/mm3), and irreversible renal failure (Scr ≥1.6 mg/dL). (See Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome under Cautions.)
May occur at any time during therapy (with or without other antineoplastic agents), however, most cases occur at mitomycin doses ≥60 mg. Blood transfusion may exacerbate the symptoms associated with this syndrome.
This drug is given as an injection or infusion into a vein. It is administered in a hospital or clinic by a specially trained health care professional.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine. You will need important blood work done while you are taking this medicine.
This drug may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon, as chemotherapy can affect healthy cells as well as cancer cells. Report any side effects. Continue your course of treatment even though you feel ill unless your doctor tells you to stop.
Call your doctor or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. This drug decreases your body's ability to fight infections. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.
This medicine may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call your doctor or health care professional if you notice any unusual bleeding.
Be careful brushing and flossing your teeth or using a toothpick because you may get an infection or bleed more easily. If you have any dental work done, tell your dentist you are receiving this medicine.
Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine.
Last Updated: June 25, 2009
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